Turkish-trained soldiers graduate in Somalia amid ongoing battle
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia welcomed another contingent of Gorgor’s troops on Sunday after successfully completing their training at the Turkish-run military school in Somalia, as the country bolsters its troops in the fight against al-Shabaab militants.
Turkey is one of Somalia’s security partners and has worked hard to ensure more troops are trained in the country, which is trying to stabilize the military after decades of decline following the ouster of Siad Barre, the former military leader.
The chief of the defense forces, General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, sent sections of the troops of the 9th battalion to the Somali national army in a ceremony held at the Turkish military school in Somalia on Sunday.
“Units of the 9th Special Forces Battalion of the Somali National Army in Gogor were sworn in today after completing military training at the Turkish Military Academy in Mogadishu. SNA chief General Odawaa Yusuf attended the swearing-in ceremony, “state media reported.
In his speech, Odowaa, who has led operations against Al-Shabaab militants, called on the soldiers to serve the country with “loyalty and patriotism”, adding that “our main role is to protect the country from aggression “.
The troops will now be domiciled in several areas of Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle where the army pursues Al-Shabaab militants. Turkey is responsible for training Gorgor’s troops and Haramcad police.
The two groups of security forces have often been drawn into the country’s harsh domestic politics, with the opposition accusing outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of often using them to settle political scores with fierce opponents.
Earlier this year, they were accused of starting violence against peaceful protesters who demanded the release of Farmajo after his attempts to extend his mandate. The government has often defended troops against such accusations.
In addition to Gorgor’s troops, the country also benefits from special training of United States soldiers that trains Danab’s special forces. Troops killed at least 15 Al-Shabaab militants in Lower Juba on Sunday, the SNA force said.
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